Especially now, as the coronavirus continues to spread, experts from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising us to wash our hands more often than usual.Proper hand washingis undoubtedly the most effective method to avoid the transmission of viruses, bacteria and infections. However, according to dermatologists around the world, hand sanitizers and soaps attack the skin's protective acid mantle, thereby depriving it of moisture. The result is cracked and dry hands. So that this doesn't happen to you, in this article we give you 7 helpful care tips to keep your skin healthy.
As means of communication and tools, our hands are constantly in use for us and are exposed to many different stresses all the time. These include, above all, constant hand washing, cold and dry heating air. And just like our face, our hands also need a natural barrier to stay healthy. When we wash our hands frequently, we not only remove dirt, viruses and bacteria, but also the skin's natural oils and grease film. This in turn causes it to become hypersensitive and in this way toxic substances or dirt can penetrate the skin.
Dry hands – Use only lukewarm water to wash your hands
According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), we should hold our hands for around 20-30 secondswith soap and waterwash. Only then will all bacteria and germs be successfully removed. However, we have to be particularly careful not to forget the fingertips, spaces between the fingers and nails. Since washing with water that is too hot severely attacks the skin and damages the fatty layer of the hands, doctors and dermatologists recommend washing your hands only with lukewarm water.
Moisturizing soaps protect and care for the skin
The sulfates contained in some disinfectants and soaps dry out the skin. The binding agents that hold bar soaps together also naturally have a high pH value. For this reason, their use also leads to dry hands. To protect your skin, choose liquid hand soaps instead or go for those labeled “pH neutral” or “pH 5.5.” Soaps with glycerin and lanolin also have a moisturizing effect and are another very good option.
Apply plenty of moisturizer every time you wash your hands
To avoid cracked and dry hands, the right skin care is essential. Water acts like a magnet, penetrates the deepest layers of skin and removes moisture from the hands. Therefore, it is recommended to apply moisturizer after washing your hands. Moisturizers restore the barrier function of the epidermis, form a protective film, increase the water content of the epidermis and have a calming effect on the skin. It's best to use high-fat products that contain glycerin, nourishing oils, urea, sorbitol or honey. According to dermatologists, however, you should avoid creams containing mineral oils. On the one hand, they ensure that the skin is sealed and stores moisture and water, but on the other hand, they cannot circulate under the skin. If you wash off the cream layer, your hands will feel even drier than before.
Wear gloves when cleaning and overnight
In addition to applying moisturizer after washing your hands, dermatologists recommend soaking your hands in plain, lukewarm water for 5 minutes. Then apply another layer of cream and leave for 1 to 2 hoursWear gloves. This means that the skin-care ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin and protect it from drying out. Adequate skin protection is also extremely important when cleaning with chemical cleaning agents in order to avoid cracked and dry hands. However, you should not use disposable or latex gloves - although they protect against bacteria, fungi and germs, they unfortunately do not protect against chemicals. Cotton gloves absorb excess moisture and ensure that your hands are not unnecessarily irritated.
Use skin balm for dry hands
Adequate skin care is particularly important if you have hypersensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Washing your hands too often can cause your skin to become increasingly cracked, rough and dry. Regular use of skin balm such as petroleum jelly balances the oil and moisture content of the skin, makes it supple, forms a protective film and protects it from drying out.
Use hand sanitizer
According to health experts, we should not wash our hands more than 10 times a day. Purchased orhomemade hand sanitizerare an excellent option to limit hand washing. Although they usually contain alcohol, they are also rich in moisturizing ingredients that are more skin-friendly and protect hands from drying out.
Gently pat your hands dry after washing
A little-known fact is that bacteria are transmitted 500 times faster with wet hands than with dry ones. For this reason, drying them after washing your hands is much more important than you think. It is best to use disposable or paper towels for this. If you wash your hands in the kitchen, have an extra towel handy. In addition, each person in a household should use their own towel and replace it with a clean one every 3 days.
